In the latest updates from President Museveni’s reshuffling of Cabinet Ministers, the Parliamentary Appointments Committee appears reluctant to proceed with vetting the newly appointed ministers. This reluctance stems from delays in receiving their documents and concerns that the allotted time for processing these ministers is insufficient.
Among the newly appointed ministers slated to appear before the parliamentary panel is Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who assumes the role of Minister of State for Industry and Cooperatives, responsible for trade, alongside Phiona Nyamutoro appointed as State Minister for Mineral Development.
Others include Balam Byarugahara appointed as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth and children Affairs), Lilian Aber will serve as Minister of State Office of the prime minister in charge of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees the prime Minister.
Minister Phiona Nyamutooro appointed as the designated Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals) by the Appointments committee.
However, a conflict has arisen regarding the processing of these new ministers, with members of the parliamentary processing committee openly stating that they were not afforded sufficient time to conduct adequate research on these incoming members.
Kalungu West legislator Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, along with fellow opposition members of the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, has declared their intention to abstain from the ruling process. They cite insufficient time allotted for ministerial investigations as the primary reason for their decision.
“The letter was written on a Saturday, a day when Parliament does not convene. Drawing from my experience in Parliament, I promptly contacted the clerk to inquire why I was being summoned to a session and where the reports and documents pertaining to the newly appointed ministers were located.”
“He mentioned that there hasn’t been any documentation received thus far, emphasizing the need for us to collect all necessary documents within four days for thorough scrutiny and analysis to verify their authenticity,” expressed Ssewungu.
Furthermore, he expressed concern over the prospect of parliament members approving the ministers’ names without ensuring the proper legal processing of their documents.
Ssewungu highlighted that the parliamentary committee has repeatedly requested documentation for the appointment of new ministers, yet they consistently fail to receive them promptly. This recurring issue has led to a situation where committee members approve the new ministers without proper procedures, similar to their recent handling of Electoral Commission members.
“It would be the second instance of committing errors,” remarked Ssewungu, “as the parliament has approved Simon Byabakama as the Chairman of the Electoral Commission without proper procedural validation. Unfortunately, members of the parliament only cited their personal relationships, stating, ‘These individuals are our close acquaintances, and we have been in close association with them.'”
Before assuming the role of Minister of State for Industry and Cooperatives (Trade), Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi served as the Commander of Uganda Army forces (CDF), holding the position for three years starting in 2021. Prior to his CDF tenure, he served as the deputy commander of Uganda forces from 2017 to 2021. Between 2007 and 2012, he acted as President Yoweri Museveni’s personal bodyguard.
Minister Phiona Nyamutooro held a position representing the youth in the Ugandan parliament after serving as the deputy guild president of Makerere University from 2015 to 2015. Balam Byarugahara, appointed as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs), is recognized as a businessman and organizer of events. Lilian Aber serves as the Woman Member of Parliament representing Kitgum.
Ministers who have been transferred from various roles will no longer be required to appear before the parliamentary Appointment committee as they have already undergone scrutiny during their initial term.
